Darkydog,

When I try to factor in Barrier positions to my Hadicaping efforts, my results go to the dogs!

Someone is bound to point out that trainers scratch horses due to Barrier positions. This is due to the reasons you mention and others. As we all know, some horses are front running, on pacers and swoopers etc. so horse are often scratched because of indevidual Horse/Jocky requirements. That can also mean that inside barriers don't suit a lot of horses either [as much as outside] and can be scratched because of it.
After everything is put through the wash, barriers seem to play no useful role stats. wise, on outcome.

Punting outcome however, is not related to the Stats of course, but to selection criteria from each races unique dynamics. Thats my two-bobs worth anyway.